One of the most exclusive yacht clubs in the world has drawn up an environmental charter to ask 150,000 sailors across the globe to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean.

The Costa Smerelda yacht club in Sardinia, established by the Aga Khan 50 years ago, is publishing the charter to cut plastic waste at the One Ocean Forum conference. International sailing organisations have signed up to support the document which will be disseminated to 150,000 sailors who compete across the world.

Riccardo Bonadeo, commodore of the club, said there was a need to raise awareness among sailors, people who live on and use the coast, and the wider public, about the need to reduce plastic waste and adopt more environmentally friendly marine practices.
The eco guide to ocean waste
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The charter aims to gather a commitment from yacht clubs, their members, marinas and other ocean users to adopt a set of principles and actions to reduce marine waste.

Oliver Schwall, managing director of the Sailing Champions League which has contact with individual national leagues across the world, has signed the charter. “Behind the Sailing Champions League and the International Sailing League Association are up to 300 sailing clubs from 15 countries who have more than 150,000 members.

“This give us a great opportunity to make the ideas of the Charta Smerelda known throughout Europe,” he said.

The charter will be published at a conference run by Costa Smerelda yacht club in Milan on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Bonadeo believes there has never been a more pressing time to promote its message which includes:

eliminating single-use plastics
preserving water resources
protecting and preserving marine habitats
adopting renewable energy
adopting ethical and responsible behaviour during boating and sailing and
raising public awareness of marine litter and pollution and the need to reduce it.

Data from the Ellen MacArthur foundation show the scale of marine pollution. The foundation in a report in 2016 revealed that every year more than 8m tonnes of plastic are leaked into the ocean. Up to 40% of the world’s oceans are heavily affected by human activities causing pollution, loss of coastal habitats and depleted fisheries, according to the UN’s sustainable development goals. By 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight, according to the Ellen MacArthur foundation.

New figures revealed by the Guardian showed a million plastic bottles are bought across the world every minute. By 2021 purchase of plastic bottles will rise by 21% to 583bn bottles across the world.

President Emmanuel Macron and Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation upon arrival at the Élysée Palace.

18 September 2018 - Paris, France: President Emmanuel Macron today received Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Élysée Palace in Paris - the official office and residence of the President of France. A guard of honour by the Republican Guard was on display, as Hazar Imam was welcomed by the French President.

18 September 2018 - Paris, France: President Emmanuel Macron today received His Highness the Aga Khan at the Élysée Palace in Paris - the official office and residence of the President of France. A guard of honour by the Republican Guard was on display, as the Aga Khan was welcomed by the French President.

This meeting will notably provide an opportunity to take stock of the partnership agreement signed 10 years ago between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Aga Khan Development Network. The Aga Khan Foundation is a partner with which several ambitious projects have been implemented in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, notably in the education and health sectors, such as the extension of the French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) in Kabul and in the energy sector, with the Bujagali hydroelectric power plant in Uganda.

The Aga Khan Foundation is also involved in the development of the Domaine de Chantilly, helping this cultural heritage site to assume its rightful place.

It therefore makes a valuable contribution to showcasing French heritage and to promoting our country abroad.

In recognition of his commitment to France, the minister will bestow the insignia of the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Legion of Honor upon the Aga Khan this evening.

Friday September 21 2018
France President Macron awards Aga Khan the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour

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In Summary

The Aga Khan’s contributions to the preservation of French heritage were also recognised. He is Founder and President of the Fondation pour la sauvegarde et le développement du Domaine de Chantilly which has made a significant contribution to the conservation and restoration of the domain, including the Château of Chantilly.
The Grand-croix de la Légion d’honneur is the highest French Medal of Honour and was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. Previous recipients include Prince Charles, Emperor Akihito (Japan), King Willem-Alexander (Netherlands), Václav Havel (Czech Republic), King Hussein (Jordan) as well as French presidents and former prime ministers.

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By MONITOR REPORTER

France President Emmanuel Macron yesterday awarded His Highness the Aga Khan, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (La Grand-croix de la Légion d’honneur), in recognition of his contribution to humanity and achievements in improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations around the world.

France's highest national medal of honour was bestowed upon the Aga Khan at a ceremony at le Quai d’Orsay by France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian in commemoration of the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee, commemorating 60 years as Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslim community.

Minister Le Drian congratulated His Highness on his 60 years of commitment and dedication towards the cause of peace, pluralism and development. “You are Sir, a man true to your commitments, a man of his word and a man of peace. And for all that you have accomplished in your life for our country, and for the stability of the world, France wishes tonight to warmly express its gratitude by elevating you to the dignity of the Grand Cross in the order of the Legion of Honour. Sir, on behalf of the President of the Republic, and by virtue of the powers conferred upon me, we bestow you the dignity of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.”

The event was part of a two-day visit in honour of the Aga Khan’s life’s work. On September 18th, President Macron received the Aga Khan at the Élysée Palace – the official office and residence of the President of France – where the two leaders discussed development initiatives in parts of the world where the Imamat and France collaborate as well as regional issues of importance.

In expressing his deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him, the Aga Khan spoke about the importance he placed on a partnership he felt was built on shared values.

“For years, we have worked together in different fields, in France, abroad and always in a close partnership, of common points of view, of common objectives and, above all, respect for all the great values of France. For me this partnership is particularly important. It is a partnership built on historical values. And these historical values have proven themselves around the world. These are values of French origin, but which today are universal values,” he said.

The award ceremony was followed by a dinner hosted by the French government in honour of the Aga Khan, and attended by government officials and leading members of French social, economic and cultural civil society organisations. Members of His Highness’ family – his brother Prince Amyn, his son Prince Rahim and his daughter Princess Zahra – were also in attendance together with senior leaders from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili community.

French Minister Le Drian and the Aga Khan also had a bilateral discussion on further strengthening the partnership between the Government of France and the Ismaili Imamat, notably through AKDN, a network of agencies committed to improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable people through economic, social and cultural development activities globally.

The occasion also marked the tenth anniversary of the 2008 cooperation agreement between the AKDN and the French Government recognising their common vision for development – the necessity of long-term engagement, the participation in development of local communities and the importance of integrating economic development with social development.

Initiatives led by the AKDN in collaboration with Agence Française de Développement (AFD), France’s development agency, and other French agencies in the areas of health, education, infrastructure and rural development have made a significant impact on the quality of life of the most vulnerable people in Africa and Asia.

Examples of this collaboration include the Heart and Cancer Centre at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya; support to the French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children (FMIC) in Kabul, Afghanistan; support for health services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; the Bujagali Hydropower plant, which today provides almost half of Uganda’s electricity; and the establishment of Roshan, the first, and largest, mobile telephone provider in Afghanistan.

The Aga Khan’s contributions to the preservation of French heritage were also recognised. He is Founder and President of the Fondation pour la sauvegarde et le développement du Domaine de Chantilly which has made a significant contribution to the conservation and restoration of the domain, including the Château of Chantilly.

The Grand-croix de la Légion d’honneur is the highest French Medal of Honour and was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. Previous recipients include Prince Charles, Emperor Akihito (Japan), King Willem-Alexander (Netherlands), Václav Havel (Czech Republic), King Hussein (Jordan) as well as French presidents and former prime ministers.

President Emmanuel Macron and His Highness the Aga Khan after their meeting at the Élysée Palace.
Photo Credit: AKDN / Cécile Genest

The award is in recognition of the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee, commemorating 60 years as Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
The occasion also marked the 10th anniversary of the collaboration agreement between the Aga Khan Development Network and the French government signed in the 2008.
The collaboration between AKDN and the French Development Agency covers health, education, infrastructure and rural development. It has made a significant impact on the quality of life of the most vulnerable people in Africa and Asia.

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By FRED OLUOCH

France has awarded His Highness the Aga Khan, the country’s highest national medal of honour in recognition of his efforts to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable people around the world.

The award is in recognition of the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee, commemorating 60 years as Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslim community.

Presenting the award on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron on September 19, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, praised His Highness’s commitment to the cause of peace, pluralism and development.

“France wishes to warmly express its gratitude by elevating you to the dignity of the Grand Cross in the order of the Legion of Honour. On behalf of the president of the republic, and by virtue of the powers conferred upon me, we bestow you the dignity of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour,” said Mr Le Drian.

The award ceremony was followed by a dinner hosted by the French government in honour of the Aga Khan. In attendance were government officials and leading members of French social, economic and cultural civil society organisations.

Members of His Highness’s family — his brother Prince Amyn, his son Prince Rahim and his daughter Princess Zahra — were also in attendance together with senior leaders from the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili community.

The occasion also marked the 10th anniversary of the collaboration agreement between the Aga Khan Development Network and the French government signed in the 2008.

The collaboration between AKDN and the French Development Agency covers health, education, infrastructure and rural development. It has made a significant impact on the quality of life of the most vulnerable people in Africa and Asia.

Key examples include the Heart and Cancer Centre at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya; support for the French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children in Kabul, Afghanistan; support for health services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; the Bujagali hydropower plant in Uganda; and Roshan, the first and largest mobile telephone provider in Afghanistan.

The Aga Khan said he attached a lot of importance to the partnership as it was built on shared values.

“For years, we have worked together in different fields, in France, abroad and always in a close partnership, of common points of view, of common objectives and, above all, respect for all the great values of France. For me this partnership is particularly important. It is a partnership built on historical values. And these historical values have proven themselves around the world. These are values of French origin, but which today are universal values,” he said.

The Aga Khan’s contributions to the preservation of French heritage were also recognised. He is founder and president of the Foundation pour la Sauvegarde et le Développement du Domaine de Chantilly, which has made a significant contribution to the conservation and restoration of the domain, including the Château of Chantilly.

The Grand-Croix de la Légion d’Honneur is the highest French Medal of Honour and was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Previous recipients include Prince Charles, Emperor Akihito (Japan), King Willem-Alexander (Netherlands), Václav Havel (Czech Republic), King Hussein (Jordan) as well as French presidents and former prime ministers.

The Grand-croix de la Légion d’honneur is the highest French Medal of Honour and was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte

President Emmanuel Macron on September 19 awarded Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour in recognition of his contribution to humanity and achievements in improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations around the world.

France’s highest national medal of honour was bestowed upon the Aga Khan at a ceremony at le Quai d’Orsay by France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian in commemoration of the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee, commemorating 60 years as Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslim community

The Grand-croix de la Légion d’honneur is the highest French Medal of Honour and was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. Previous recipients include Prince Charles, Emperor Akihito (Japan), King Willem-Alexander (The Netherlands), Václav Havel (The Czech Republic), King Hussein (Jordan) as well as French presidents and former prime ministers.

Aga Khan spoke about the importance he placed on a partnership he felt was built on shared values.

“For years, we have worked together in different fields, in France, abroad and always in a close partnership, of common points of view, of common objectives and, above all, respect for all the great values of France. For me this partnership is particularly important. It is a partnership built on historical values. And these historical values have proven themselves around the world. These are values of French origin, but which today are universal values.”

The award ceremony was followed by a dinner hosted by the French government in honour of the Aga Khan, and attended by government officials and leading members of French social, economic and cultural civil society organizations. Members of his Highness’ family – his brother Prince Amyn, his son Prince Rahim and his daughter Princess Zahra – were also in attendance together with senior leaders from the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili community.

The event was part of a two-day visit in honour of the Aga Khan’s life’s work. On September 18, President Macron received the Aga Khan at the Élysée Palace.

Founded in 1951 and based in London, The Pakistan Society is an international organisation that aims to increase public knowledge in Britain of the arts, history, geography, economic life, and institutions of Pakistan. Its patrons are HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, and HE The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Mawlana Hazar Imam has previously attended the Society’s annual dinner in 1962 and again in 2003. Acknowledging Hazar Imam’s support for the Society, and his presence at the dinner, Sir William Blackburne, Chairman of the Pakistan Society, commented, “If there is one person above all others who personifies what is best about the world of Islam, it is Your Highness. That you are the spiritual leader of what is numerically a relatively small subset of Islam, speaks volumes for your achievements during your 60 years as its Imam. Likewise, for the very positive impact that your Ismaili followers have had on the communities in which they live, not least in this country.”

HE Muhammad Ayub, Acting High Commissioner for Pakistan to the United Kingdom, said of Mawlana Hazar Imam: “The people of Pakistan admire your visionary leadership with great respect and affection. We are deeply indebted to the Aga Khan Development Network that continues to play an active and positive role in our society under your able stewardship. Through its programmes, the Network has provided opportunities for the local population.”

During the event, The Pakistan Society Award was presented to Shoaib Sultan Khan, the founding General Manager of the Aga Khan Foundation’s notable Rural Support Programme (AKRSP). As the guest of honour, Mawlana Hazar Imam presented the award to Mr Khan. The award recognises those who have contributed significantly to the advancement of public knowledge and understanding of Pakistan in the United Kingdom.

Mr Khan is considered a pioneer of rural development programmes in Pakistan, having served the government of Pakistan for 25 years, the Aga Khan Foundation for 12 years, and various agencies of the United Nations for 14 years. He also became a board member of the AKRSP in 1992, and is the only person to have served on the board since then.

AKRSP was established by Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1982 to improve the quality of life of local village communities, primarily in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Speaking of his experiences with AKRSP, Mr Khan noted that the World Bank assessments of the AKRSP had shown that in the first 10 years, AKRSP had led to a doubling in the average income of the million people in Northern Pakistan. The approach is community-led, and encourages equitable social and economic development in the region. Today, AKRSP projects and programmes contribute effectively to sustainable development with a special focus on poor and vulnerable sections of society in Pakistan and elsewhere.

AKRSP’s past efforts have led to many notable achievements in Pakistan. Key achievements include manifold increase in incomes, construction/rehabilitation of 4,419 small infrastructure projects, the planting of tens of millions of trees, the development of hundreds of acres of marginal lands, mobilisation of nearly $5 million village savings, and the establishment of more than 5,045 community organisations.
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Sir Nicholas Barrington, an honorary vice-president of The Pakistan Society, delivers the citation for The Pakistan Society Award, presented to Shoaib Sultan Khan.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam shares a light moment with Sir Nicholas Barrington, an honorary vice-president of The Pakistan Society. Sarfaraj Khorasi
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Mawlana Hazar Imam signs The Pakistan Society guest book.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam presents The Pakistan Society Award to Shoaib Sultan Khan, the founding General Manager of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme
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Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted by President of the Ismaili Council for the UK Liakat Hasham, Head of the Department of Jamati Institutions Dr Shafik Sachedina, and President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan Hafiz Sherali. Sarfaraj Khorasi
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LONDON: Britain’s former High Commissioner to Pakistan Sir Adam Thomson has said that a vibrant civil society and free media are essential in helping the government of Pakistan to deliver on the essentials that the growing Pakistani populations needs.

The former diplomat was speaking at the 65th annual dinner of The Pakistan Society at the Dorchester Hotel where His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan was the chief guest. Pakistan’s Acting High Commissioner Ayub Khan, several leading Pakistani business professionals and officials of the Pakistan Society attended the dinner.

Adam Thomson, Director of the European Leadership Network, warned that Pakistan’s population was growing rapidly and the government must formulate policies to provide jobs to youth. “My sons told me that population grew by 58% in 19 years. That’s an average four million extra Pakistanis per year. And the numbers will be higher each year in every single year to come unless fertility rate drops substantially. Over the next 19 years Pakistan’s population will grow up to 327 million, 120 million more Pakistanis than now, six million more Pakistan every year,” he said.

He said: “only deeper democracy can long run and deliver steady improvement in the governance that Pakistan needs. I believe the Pakistan’s democracy is little by little deepening. But I also believe this is never going to be easy for Pakistan successes for civilian’s government that for many of Pakistan’s young population time is short and that governments need all the help they can get. So, my first thought, the first of my two thoughts is that we should contribute to improving governances in Pakistan.”

He said that countries like Britain should do all they can to support Pakistan’s civil society. “In talking about supporting the civil society I am not talking just about funding as that’s the easy part. I am talking about supporting the civil society in helping government to deliver on the essentials that the growing Pakistani populations needs. Pakistanis business community for example can do and is doing really amazing things. But I am also talking about supporting civil society in holding both government and governance to account,” he said.

Adam Thomson said that it’s important to defend the space in which civil society operates. “Its about freedom of speech and of association, for example about media freedom and protection of journalists in a dangerous parts of the world.”

He gave example of the Aga Khan Foundation and its linked organisations for their good work in development.

The Pakistan Society Award for 2018 was presented at the dinner to Shoaib Sultan Khan. Sir Nicholas Barrington, Honourary Vice President of the Pakistan Society, in the citation address said that the award is being given to Shoaib Sultan Khan “an internationally renowned authority on rural development and alleviation of poverty, who pioneered schemes in the Northern Areas of Pakistan in association with the Aga Khan Foundation”.

Prince Karim Aga Khan, who this year celebrated his Diamond Jubilee as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili, said: “It is a great pleasure for me to attend this year’s Pakistan Society dinner, having attended previously in 1962 and in 2003. My community and the Aga Khan Development Network have strong ties with Pakistan, and the Ismaili Imamat is deeply committed to the future of the people of this country.”

The President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi in his message to The Pakistan Society said that cordial relations between UK and Pakistan are anchored in history, democratic values as well as in a broad based partnership in the political, economic and cultural spheres.

The Acting High Commissioner for Pakistan Muhammad Ayub said in his speech: “We are very delighted to have among us His Highness, The Aga Khan. His presence, indeed, is recognition of the good work of The Pakistan Society.

The Pakistan-UK relations are historical and are translating into economic and trade ties. It would be beneficial if the Society could play its role in introducing economic opportunities in Pakistan and bringing foreign investment in the country. Similarly, the Society can use its platform effectively to raise awareness about water scarcity in Pakistan and help generate funds for building dams in the country.”

Last edited by Admin on Mon Nov 12, 2018 3:43 am, edited 1 time in total

2018-11-11 H.H. The Aga Khan, Mowlana Hazar Imam, was among the 70 world leaders who attended in Paris, the ceremonies commemorating the 100 years of the Armistice that ended World War 1 - The Aga Khan attended the opening of the Paris Peace Forum which is scheduled from 11 to 13th November 2018.

Last edited by Admin on Mon Nov 12, 2018 11:08 am, edited 2 times in total

2018, November 11: H.H. The Aga Khan, Mowlana Hazar Imam, attended the Paris Peace Forum. He can be seen here on the left of the photo, sitting second row. Also at the right of the photo, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, France President Emmanuel Macron, Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and many other heads of State and dignitaries.

Mawlana Hazar Imam joined over 60 world leaders for the opening session of the inaugural Paris Peace Forum on 11 November 2018. Leadership from the French Jamat and AKDN were also present at the Forum.

Initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron, the Forum is founded on the principle that international cooperation is key to tackling global challenges and ensuring durable peace. The Forum was launched on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, marking the end of World War I.

“It is my conviction that one of the key conditions for peace in our world today is a greater respect for pluralism,” explained Mawlana Hazar Imam. “In a world challenged by globalisation, social fragmentation and conflict between peoples, pluralism and a well-anchored civil society are essential for human peace and progress. This is why the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is delighted to be a partner of the Paris Peace Forum.”

Earlier in the day, Hazar Imam was the guest of the French President at a luncheon held at the Elysee Palace for all the visiting heads of state and government.

Hazar Imam has often spoken about the need to recognise pluralism as a fundamental value of human society, an essential ingredient in the development of a country and a necessity for the existence of a peaceful society. The promotion of pluralism has therefore been an aim of many AKDN programmes, from irrigation schemes bringing together diverse communities and cultures in Pakistan to inclusive reading programmes for children in Kenya, from a project to integrate immigrants in Lisbon to the reintroduction of midwifery schools in Afghanistan. AKDN’s ultimate aim is to nurture successful civil societies in which every citizen, irrespective of cultural, religious, or ethnic differences, can realise his or her full potential.

Paris, France, 11 November 2018 - His Highness the Aga Khan, founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), today joined over 60 world leaders for the opening session of the inaugural Paris Peace Forum. Initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron, the Forum is founded on the principle that international cooperation is key to tackling global challenges and ensuring durable peace. The Forum was launched on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, marking the end of World War I.

“It is my conviction that one of the key conditions for peace in our world today is a greater respect for pluralism,” explained the Aga Khan. “In a world challenged by globalisation, social fragmentation and conflict between peoples, pluralism and a well-anchored civil society are essential for human peace and progress. This is why the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is delighted to be a partner of the Paris Peace Forum.”

Earlier in the day, the Aga Khan was the guest of the French President at a lunch held at the Elysee Palace for all the visiting heads of state and government.

The Aga Khan has often spoken about the need to recognise pluralism as a fundamental value of human society, an essential ingredient in the development of a country and a necessity for the existence of a peaceful society. The promotion of pluralism has therefore been an aim of many AKDN programmes, from irrigation schemes bringing together diverse communities and cultures in Pakistan to inclusive reading programmes for children in Kenya, from a project to integrate immigrants in Lisbon to the reintroduction of midwifery schools in Afghanistan. AKDN’s ultimate aim is to nurture successful civil societies in which every citizen, irrespective of cultural, religious or ethnic differences, can realise his or her full potential.

PHOTO 2: His Highness the Aga Khan greets Mrs Christine Lagarde, the Chairwoman of the International Monetary Fund.

PHOTO 3: His Highness the Aga Khan was among over 60 world leaders for the opening session of the inaugural Paris Peace Forum. Here he greets President de Sousa of Portugal and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada.

PHOTO 4: The world leaders gathered for the opening session of the inaugural Paris Peace Forum all look to the sky as an aerial photograph is taken to mark this historic event.